The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has launched legal action against online retailer Ozdirect and director Paul Albright, alleging the site accepted payments for goods it knew it could not supply in a reasonable time.
The watchdog has launched proceedings against Ozdirect Online Brands and Albright in the Federal Court in Sydney.
The ACCC’s accusations related to the sale of electronic goods on websites including www.ozdirect.com, www.ozdirect.com.au and www.ausbuys.com.
“The ACCC alleges that Ozdirect accepted payment from consumers for goods it knew, or ought reasonably to have known, it would not be able to supply within a reasonable time,” the watchdog said in a statement.
The ACCC also alleges the company made misrepresentations to consumers about the delivery times of items, consumer warranties and refund rights.
The ACCC alleges Ozdirect’s conduct was misleading or deceptive and contravened the Trade Practices Act. It also alleges Albright was “knowingly concerned in that conduct”.
The ACCC is seeking orders from the court that include declarations that Ozdirect’s conduct contravened the Act and that Albright was knowingly concerned in that conduct. It also wants injunctions against the company, an order that Ozdirect implement a trade practice compliance program; and costs.
This matter has been listed for an interlocutory hearing on July 24.
SmartCompany’s attempts to contact Ozdirect before publication were unsuccessful.
James was the editor and publisher of SmartCompany and LeadingCompany for five years. He is now the Australian Financial Review‘s companies & markets editor, and a former BRW editor.
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